In life we have various aspects of our health we need to give proper attention to. There are three, did you know that? I must admit, until about 2004, I wasn’t aware we not only need to take care of our physical and emotional health, there is something called our spiritual health and wellbeing, who knew? Not me, but now that I do, they are physical, emotional, and spiritual. This is the first of a three part series, focusing on our health. Today we will discuss our physical health, tomorrow our spiritual health, and conclude with a blog on emotional health later next week.This morning I joined over two hundred people in the heart of Mexico, Mexico, New York that is for the annual 5K Cider Run/Walk. Although this was the 23rd time our community came together for this event, it was my first time participating. Why now? Simple, a friend and I started walking this summer and one day while enjoying our daily walk, one of us said “We should do the 5K Cider Walk” in jest. Well…after a little discussion we decided this was both a good idea and great incentive to stay focused and on task with our daily walking routine.

I must say it worked. There were days to follow that we both said, “I don’t want to get out today” or “It’s too hot” or “It’s raining” but in the end, until school started anyway, we maintained our daily walk. Sometimes earlier in the morning before the kids woke up and our hubbies left for work and other times later at night after the sun started to set and the temperature dropped too. Yes, there are days we had to forego the walks because we are Mom’s and wives too but for the most part, we rocked it. Do you know why we rocked it? Here are the three basic reasons I think we succeeded and not only set a goal but also reached it. Are you ready?

1st: An Accountability PartnersI could not have accomplished the goal “To run in the annual 5K Cider Run/Walk” without these people. Who are they you ask? I must start within the walls of my own home – Ed and Mary! Without Ed and Mary helping with the jobs around the house, I wouldn’t have the extra hour or two to exercise daily. And of course, my walking buddy, Lisa. Without her texts, calls, and fun time of fellowship while we walk – I know I would have pulled the cover over my head many mornings rather than walk. Thank you all! (Thanks for taking our picture Kim!)

2nd: A Determined Heart and MindTo reach any goal, we need to be determined! Yet, some goals only require the mind to be involved. For me, to walk and now add the running, I need something more than “completing the walk” as a motivation. This is where my heart comes into play. As I finished the last mile solo with nothing but the wind and my own thoughts as company I found myself thinking of Heidi. My sister loved to run and always tried to get me to go with her. She would say, “It’s exhilarating, come on. You’ll like it once you try.” I never believed her but she was so right. I finished today’s 5K with thoughts of my sister flooding my heart and mind, then, they transitioned to the Rochester area where the family of Brian Sullivan and others joined Laurie Travis for the annual Ride for the Missing. Not only did I finish but I tried to run the last quarter a mile on the track to cross the finish line in memory of our missing and their families. The next goal is a half marathon in March. This one, I’ll run (or maybe walk) in memory of a friend, who is free from cancer and celebrating her life in heaven now.(This photo is at mile marker 2 but I didn't have someone to take my picture so this is the best I could do. teehee Thanks Shelly, hope your timer started working again!)

3rd: An Ability to PersevereWhy perseverance? Easy…when we strive to reach a goal we will inevitably face obstacles trying to stop us from reaching this goal. My friend Lisa and I had a choice this summer. We could have slept in, stayed inside when the weather was too hot or just opted not to try but instead we recognized our need to be healthy and supported, motivated, and encouraged each other to push through the weather, busy schedules, and negative attitudes because we knew something better was to come. We were so excited to cross the finish line today. Our husbands joined us for the day so it was like a double date at the 5K. How cool is that? I know, right? Awesome.

To read the ending stats and award winners, click on the top photo or any of the photos with the mile markers for a link Auyer Racetiming website for more details. Thanks to “playing” with a former student, I placed 1st overall for the women in the walking division. God must have loved my laughter when I realized they were calling my name. Too much fun today! (This is me finishing the race and off in the distance on the road are my walking buddies today, I was playing with children so ran ahead, go figure. lol)

Thank you everyone for supporting the library and a special thanks to the volunteers, Oswego County Sheriffs, and Mexico Fire Department for keeping us all safe today.

Available on Amazon.comW﻿here's Heidi? One Sister's Journey *When the Waves Subside: There is Hope *Encourage Others: One Day at a TimeNo More Pain: I Can Fly *YOU are a Rainbow *Goal Setting for a Renewed You*Also available on Kindle*

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